understudy
noun [ C ] uk/ˈʌn.dəˌstʌd.i/ us/ˈʌn.dɚˌstʌd.i/
候补演员，替角
an actor who learns the parts of other actors in a play, so that he or she can replace them if necessary, for example if they are ill
An understudy took over for the rest of the performance and the evening show.
Understudies never know when they might have to go on.
Compare: standbystand-insubstitute noun
- More examples
- The play starts with the Director announcing that one actor has been replaced by an understudy.
- Sometimes the understudy really does get a big break.
- She tells me she is indisposed, and her understudy is to play the part tonight.